St. Norbert College

Is There Something You’ve Always Wondered About St. Norbert College? Ask the Abbot!

August 2015Jonathan Carroll ’17 asks: “Have any of our alumni ever competed in the Olympic Games?"

July 2015Sarah Kick ’17 asks: How did the St. Norbert College arch come into being?

June 2015Karen O'Connell ’05 asks: In your best estimation, how many graduating students have taken photos with you over the years?

May 2015Dennis McGuire ’61 asks: In your response to last month’s question, you mentioned how much you valued the early domestic staff. Who helped you with the outside work in those days?
April 2015Andrea Liebelt ’10 asks: How was it possible that all of St. Norbert College was once housed under one roof, in Main Hall?
March 2015Mackenzie Timmer ’18 asks: “What are your spring break plans?”

February 2015Emily Techmeier ’15 asks: “How were students recruited to St. Norbert College in the early days?”

December 2014Rebecca Liming ’15 asks: “In my time here, I’ve noticed several memorials spread around campus. How many are there?”

November 2014Austin Van Pay ’17 asks: “Are you familiar with the term hashtag? If you had one, what would it be?”

October 2014Neil Gloudemans ’12 asks: “As an alum working on campus, I’ve noticed that every year certain professors are distinguished with either the Leonard Ledvina Outstanding Teaching Award or the Donald B. King Distinguished Scholar Award. I feel sure that King and Ledvina were fascinating men – can you tell us more?”

September 2014John Gallagher ’63 asks: “I heard the whole college used to be run out of one notebook and a cigar box. Is that true?”

July 2014Kasey Corrado ’13 asks: “Is it true that St. Norbert College has one of each indigenous Wisconsin tree on its campus?”

June 2014Wayne Leitermann asks: “Is there a connection between the similar team colors for the Packers and Green Knights?”

May 2014Matt Christoff ’14 asks: “The moniker for this college seems to have changed at some point in time from “St. Norbert’s College” to “St. Norbert College.” Is it still acceptable to say “St. Norbert’s?”

April 2014Rachel Mueller ’14 asks: “Is it true that women’s basketball coachConnie Tilley has achieved coaching success in other college sports?”

February 2013Kathleen McKitrick ’11 asks: “Which current faculty member has been teaching at St. Norbert the longest?”

December 2012MaryBeth Earle Davich Ascher ’71 asks: “How many students have graduated from St. Norbert College?”

November 2012Holly Nickerson ’15 asks: “I was wondering, how old is Norby the Knight? Also, when he reaches the end of his fourth year on campus, can he receive an honorary degree? I think it'd be a really cute idea if Norby could graduate, too!”

September 2012Colleen Shore ’14 asks: “As a student, I have walked past the sculpture of St. Norbert many times between classes. How long has the sculpture been there? Is there particular meaning behind what he is holding?”

August 2012Dan King ’15 asks: “Did any former St. Norbert football players ever go on to play for the Green Bay Packers?”

July 2012Jay DeCleene ’94 asks: “It was exciting to hear that the De Pere Norbertines recently re-elected the Rt. Rev. Gary Neville as their abbot. How does the election process work?”

June 2012Samantha Schurhammer ’12 asks: “At this year’s Commencement, it was quite a sight to see all the faculty and even staff wearing a cap and gown along with me and my classmates. Has this always been the tradition at St. Norbert?

May 2012Quent Below ’70 asks: “Is one of the existing fraternities on the St. Norbert campus a successor to the Kappa Chi fraternity that existed in the late 1960s? I was a founding member of KX.”

April 2012Mary Symak asks: “Many years ago in my younger days when Bart Starr was still the Green Bay Packers coach, I attended the Summer Theological Institute. I am wondering if that is still being offered, or if there is something akin to that for us old duffers who may want a quick uplift in our spiritual renewal?”

March 2012Jena Paul ’14 asks: “Was Van Dyke Gym the first gymnasium at St. Norbert College?”

February 2012Brett Buboltz ’08 asks: “When was the first St. Norbert College Magazine published?”

December 2011Christine Linnehan Strigenz ’76 asks: “I lived in Mad/Lor Hall and am curious to know why it was given that name. What is the story behind it?”

October 2011Connor Romenesko ’15 asks: “Where did St. Norbert College football games take place prior to Schneider and Minahan stadiums?”

September 2011Nick Fry ’08 asks: “What state has the highest population of SNC alumni, other than Wisconsin?”

August 2011Patti VandenBusch Albers ’76 asks: “It’s quite remarkable that the St. Norbert College Music Theatre program is celebrating its 50th year this summer. I’m curious as to what the first production was.”

July 2011Patti VandenBusch Albers ’76 asks: “I noticed that the Shakespeare Garden between JMS, Bemis, Cofrin, and Todd Wehr halls had pavers added to the walkway this spring. When was the garden created? And is it really named after William Shakespeare?”

Andrew Herson ’82 asks: “My daughter, Kellie Herson ’11, just graduated from St. Norbert. It seemed like a large class. How many students received their diplomas this year? Out of curiosity, how many students graduated in 1982?”

Brea Lee ’07 asks: “Where did students dine on campus prior to the Union Cafeteria?”

April 2011Ashley Knoke ’10 asks: “When did St. Norbert change from an institution for future priests to a Catholic college open to any student?”

March 2011Brittany Draxler ’12 asks: “Was there really a high school on campus at one time?”

February 2011James Reinkober ’55 asks: “Now that Minahan Stadium is history, who was the Minahan for whom the stadium was named? Did he contribute the funds for the stadium?”

December 2010Jess Kropp ’12 asks, “Abbot Pennings, what would you like for Christmas?” November 2010Bern Diederich ’65 asks: “What notable American read the oath of office to the graduating ROTC cadets from the class of 1965?”

October 2010Mallory Ford ’09 asks: “Back in the day there was a St. Norbert yearbook. Do you know why the title of it used to be ‘Des Pères’?” September 2010Tressa Boldt ’10 asks: “Is it true that a former Green Bay Packer player was involved in a St. Norbert Homecoming?”

August 2010Alissa Roff ’09 asks: “When was the first year in which St. Norbert College graduated more women than men?”

July 2010Bridget Zach ’11 asks: “Who is Mel Nicks and why is St. Norbert’s sports complex named after him?”

June 2010Andrew McIlree ’06 asks: “During my Commencement from St. Norbert, I recall the Norbertines wearing a special hat that I believe is called a biretta. Does it symbolize anything in particular?”

May 2010Carla Cucciatti Overbeck ’66 asks: “After reading an article in the current St. Norbert College alumni magazine about married alumni who met at St. Norbert, I wonder if there are any other couples who met at Camp Tivoli (the Norbertine camp near Cecil, Wis.) the way my husband and I did. I am a St. Norbert alumna, and Julius was a counselor at the camp. We married a year after graduation and are still together.”

April 2010Arnie Beimborn ’43 asks: “From my college days – ’39 to ’43 – I remember Fr. Anselm Keefe’s constant companion, a dog named Betsy. Father left the campus with Betsy riding backward in the sidecar of his motorcycle. Any information on what happened to Betsy?”

March 2010Jessica Flynt ’03 asks: “I was wondering, what is the name of the crowd-pumping song played as the men’s hockey team enters the ice? And how long has our hockey program been around?”

February 2010Brian Kerhin ’92 asks: “As I was giving my five-year-old daughter a quick walking tour of campus this past weekend, we came upon a sculpture in front of JMS that I think it used to be in front of Main Hall. I am wondering what it’s called, when it was installed and how much it cost.”

December 2009Paul Conners asks: “I read with interest a previously submitted question about the college's "Alma Mater" song. If I read your answer correctly, Heather Schmidt (Music) wrote the lyrics – but who wrote the music?”

November 2009Kat (Kilok) Herald ’07 asks: “What are the most popular items at the caf nowadays? Chicken Caesar salad night and Pizza Hut night were always a hit when I was a student.”

October 2009Frank McQuilkin ’53 asks: “How many Norbertines are there at St. Norbert Abbey?”

September 2009Kaylee Beck ’13 asks: “I’m not an alum (yet), but I have a question. What does the “F.K.” stand for in F.K. Bemis International Center?”

August 2009Deirdre Gehant, parent and Packer fan asks: “Now August is here it will be preseason for football. Just what is the history of the relationship between the Packers and St. Norbert College? Is it true they hold their training camp on campus? Are the Green Knight cheerleaders also Packer cheerleaders? Is one of our priests also the priest to the Packers team? Any other interesting tidbits to share?”

July 2009Christine Donovan ’07 asks: “Dear Abbot Pennings, when I was a student, there was a white squirrel on campus. Is it still around?”

June 2009Kristen Buettner ’09 asks: “Dear Abbot Pennings, there was a son we sang at graduation ... I believe it was called the “Alma Mater.” Could you share with me the history behind it?”

May 2009Caitlin Zach ’09 asks: “Dear Abbot Pennings, now that you have relocated to your place of honor inside the new library, I’m worried I won’t be able to take a photo with you before I leave St. Norbert. It has been a tradition of so many graduates who have come before me – how can you keep it going?”

April 2009Beth Clabots ’83 asks: “Dear Abbot, I keep hearing that the old library will be renovated – but into what? I am curious to know, having spent many an evening inside its walls.”

March 2009Kim Szatkowski ’81 asks: “Abbot, I've always heard what a wonderful, generous man my great uncle, Father Luke Dionne, was. But he died suddenly when I was very young – I believe that would have been in the 1960s. Now, since nearly everyone who knew him is deceased, I wonder if the college archives have any more information on his legacy?

By the way, it is interesting that the Dionne family coat of arms includes the fleur-de-lis, also associated with the Norbertines, and that the family motto is “In Service to God.” Just curious, perhaps this went into Luke’s decision to become a Norbertine priest?”

February 2009Nick Patton ’03 asks: “Abbot, the last time I saw you, you were not looking yourself at all. Would you like to tell us about what's been happening to you recently?”

December 2008Libby Hauser ’08 asks: “Who was Francis Boyle? How did Boyle Hall come to be named after him?”

October 2008Chris Kirwen ’08 asks: “I’ve noticed that the school was referred to as St. Norbert’s College at one time. When as the ‘s’ removed?”

September 2008Grace Meyer ’84 asks: “I know you keep up to date with events on campus. Are any of the social groups getting together during Reunion Weekend this fall? In particular, the women from No Nonsense? It would be great to catch up with them.”

August 2008Ragan Prucha Jorgensen ’97 asks: “I’m curious to know how long the Green Bay Packers have been using St. Norbert College for training camp.”

July 2008Kate Geenen ’89 asks: “I have heard that an elephant participated in a particular St. Norbert Homecoming parade. Did this really happen, and if so, when?”

June 2008Billy Falk ’08 asks: “As a recent graduate, I understand that I am now an official member of the St. Norbert College Alumni Association. I’m curious to know how long the alumni association has been in existence.”

May 2008Sarah Kaminski ’08 asks: “I’m graduating this May and I'm sad that I won’t be on campus to see the building of the new Mulva Library. Are there plans to keep alumni informed of the progress?”

April 2008John Connelly ’89 asks: “I’ve heard that there was an auditorium housed in Main Hall. What have been all the uses for Main Hall over the years?”

March 2008Kara Wymelenberg Eulgen ’91 asks: “Are there time capsules in any campus buildings, and if so, do you know what’s in them?”

February 2008Mike Kelly ’08 asks: “What is inside the dome on top of the Ray Van Den Heuvel Family Campus Center?”

December 2007George Ermert ’02 asks: “What is the oldest social group on campus?”

October 2007Tom Vavrek ’70 asks: “Father Anselm Keefe obtained a large cannon for the lawn in front of Main Hall in the 1920s. A smaller cannon was placed there in the 1960s. We held a huge pro-Vietnam War rally there in 1966, prominently featured in the 1967 yearbook. What became of both cannons?”

September 2007Brian Bunkelman ’94 asks: “You referred to the St. Norbert school colors in last month’s letter. What is the origin of the Green and Gold – did we take them from the Packers?”

August 2007James Boyd ’84 asks: “I have always wondered how St. Norbert came to adopt the Green Knight mascots. Do you know the history on this?”

July 2007Mallory Kroon ’06 asks: “My time at St. Norbert was made even better because of some great professors I had. I’m a teacher myself now, and I’d love to find a way that I can easily connect with some of the faculty. Is there a way that I can do this?”

June 2007Ed Bellock ’78 asks: “I heard a rumor that the armored Green Knight on display in Schuldes Sports Center ‘disappeared’ from campus at one point in time. Did this really happen?”

May 2007Ann Hillman ’04 asks: “What programs or fields of study are most commonly selected by current students? Are there newer academic programs now available to students at St. Norbert?”

April 2007Sarah Schmidt ’05 asks: “Before leaving SNC, many students have been known to climb up onto your lap in the middle of the night – braver students in broad daylight – and take a photograph with you as a St. Norbert keepsake. Do you mind when people sit on your lap and take pictures?”

March 2007Kristin Michails ’03 asks: “As time passes from our graduation date I have started to lose track of some of my St. Norbert friends. Addresses change so fast as people get new jobs, shift careers or get married. Can you help me locate them?”

February 2007Olivia Dart ’99 asks: “My husband and I met while we were students at St. Norbert College. I was wondering how many couples who met at St. Norbert are now married?”

January 2007
“How did the college radio station come by its call letters?”

December 2006Cathleen “Kitty” (Leonard) Finn ’82 asks: “The cafeteria served the most delicious broccoli cheese casserole. The chef, J.R., finally parted with the recipe and it’s been a part of my family’s celebrations ever since. What is the most popular meal for students at the cafeteria today?”

November 2006
“When did the tradition of “uglies” and “queens” first begin on campus?”

October 2006
“I heard that astronaut John Glenn attended St. Norbert College in the 1960s.”

September 2006
“I’ve heard so much about ghosts on campus, especially in the current bookstore (formally St. Boniface). Any truth to these rumors?”

Contact Us

Ask the Abbot

As the founder of St. Norbert College, I have been privileged to hold a prime seat at the center of campus throughout the years. I, Abbot Bernard Pennings, hold the answers to many of your burning questions about the college.

Feel free to write me at askabbot@snc.edu with any questions. I’ll be sure to respond and will post my favorite questions on this page.